About the Image(s)

While crawling around in the dunes of Death Valley a few weeks ago, I kept being fascinated by the baked mud or clay out amongst the dunes. Most photographers are, so despite the pull, nothing really novel there. But as I spent time examining the clay, I became attracted to the edges where it met the sand and where the clay was breaking and falling apart. I found that aspect of the clay even more interesting (and perhaps a little more original). There seemed to be some message there for the viewer (end of things sort of message). But it still was not compelling enough to make me get out my 4x5. Then as I contemplated things further, the sun came up and began to move across the clay. Where the pieces were broken their angle to the grazing sun was different (less grazing) and they lit up like fire compared to the rest of the field of clay. That was the final element, and at that point I got out the 4x5 and worked as fast as I could.

The image this month is the result of those efforts. In editing, the motif of "world's end" became stronger to me, so my edits were to emphasize that story. There is one significant "change" I made that I feel adds "tension" and a sense of the uncomfortable - something probably appropriate to the world breaking apart. I am curious as to whether what I did is obvious or not, so I won't mention it. But if it is apparent please let me know.

Ebony RSW45, Tele-Arton 270mm tilted for focus, f32, 1/8 sec, Kodak Portra 160 4x5 film.